Do You Want More Than a Hookup?

Is modern hook up culture making us unhappy and clueless about relationships? That's what Donna Freitas, an assistant professor of religion at Boston University, examines in her new book, The End of Sex. Want more than a hook up? Read on...

Q. So what's the problem with hooking up?

Q. So what's the problem with hooking up?

A. Many people are good at having fun, fulfilling hookups. The problem is, many young women feel like that kind of sex is their only option. If they want to go on dates and get to know someone first, they should be able to do that too. So many students tell me that they have never been on a date while at college and have no idea how to approach someone they are interested in sober.

Q. If women are hooking up, why aren't they having a good time?

Q. If women are hooking up, why aren't they having a good time?

A. We have an image of what a hookup should be: You're at a party, and from across the room, you see this hot guy, the stars align, and you make out. Unfortunately, often it's more like you're completely trashed, you don't know where your friends are, you look next to you and somebody is sitting there also really drunk, and you just roll over. There is no conquest, no flirting, no excitement that leads to real desire.